The Utility Engineer plans, implements, and oversees the execution of capital improvements ensuring quality control for design and construction or rehabilitation of water and wastewater infrastructure; performs in-house engineering design of select projects; supports water and wastewater operations departments; coordinates the maintenance and updating of technical design standards and infrastructure mapping and database records; and provides supervisory support in the management of the department’s technical and inspections staff. The Utility Engineer interfaces frequently with the Director of Engineering, General Manager, directors and staff of other HWWS and City of Harlingen departments, outside developers, engineers, contractors, and the general public; plays a central role on the Emergency Response Team; and serves as Acting Director of Engineering in the Director’s absence. The Utility Engineer reports to the Director of Engineering and is evaluated according to the performance of assigned and general responsibilities.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Performs a full range of project management functions for CIP projects from planning through close-out.
Performs in-house design for assigned projects.
Interfaces with developers and other city departments in the determination of on-site and off-site water and sewer infrastructure requirements.
Reviews proposed utility plans for private development to ensure conformance with HWWS’s design standards, ordinances, and master plan objectives.
Oversees construction inspection, coordinates project meetings, and ensures closeout procedures are completed.
Manages consultants engaged to perform engineering studies and infrastructure design; develops and manages contracts; reviews design documents and engineering reports for consistency with operational objectives, budget constraints, and technical accuracy; maintains cost controls; and monitors consultant progress.
Evaluates, plans, recommends, and develops projects to address overall system needs and growth.
Provides supervisory guidance and assigns workloads for the Engineering Department’s technical and construction inspection staff in:
Generating work orders for installation or repair of taps and service lines
Maintaining and editing HWWS’s GIS to ensure a current, high degree of accuracy
Drafting of construction plans and standard details
Conducting field observation and reports of construction
Performing topographical surveys
Generating technical reports
Identifies staff training needs and opportunities; monitors performance and conducts performance evaluations.
Identifies the Engineering Department’s resource needs and assists in the budget development.
Assists the Director of Engineering Services in general administration and oversight of department activities.
Maintains and advances utilization of HWWS’s Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) for execution of department workflows.
Prepares regular monthly reports and special reports on Department operations and capital improvement projects. Presents project and departmental information to the General Manager, other departments, HWWS Board of Trustees, and city departments.
Reviews and recommends revisions to design standards and external policies defining customer and developer responsibilities;
Assists in developing and implementing HWWS policies and procedures and short- and long-term objectives.
Maintains, expands, and applies knowledge of current and emerging engineering industry practices, regulations, and emergency management standards.
Advises the Director of Engineering and operations management on regulatory and technical issues potentially affecting delivery, quality, or cost of service.
Represents HWWS before local, state, and federal governmental agencies and private business.
EDUCATION AND LICENSING
Bachelor of Science degree in Civil or Environmental Engineering with emphasis on municipal water or wastewater conveyance and treatment systems as well as general civil engineering principles. Master’s Degree in Engineering or Environmental Science is preferred but not required.
Licensed Professional Engineer in the State of Texas or ability to obtain Texas license within 3 months via reciprocity from the state where currently licensed. License must have been obtained on the basis of civil or environmental engineering education and experience.
EXPERIENCE
Must possess at least 4 total years of substantiated work experience in a combination of the following areas:
Engineering design and project management.
Design or operations engineering for Water/Wastewater conveyance systems and treatment processes.
Construction administration and contract management.
Experience with State and Federal regulatory, permitting, and funding agencies (e.g. TCEQ, EPA, TWDB).
Substantial experience using AutoCAD for conceptual, preliminary, and final design.
Experience in surveying, land acquisition processes, and use of GIS database tools is highly desirable.
Experience in customer relations support for water and wastewater service is desirable.
Experience and knowledge of FEMA National Incident Management System and Incident Command Systems is desirable.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Must possess and proactively maintain comprehensive knowledge of engineering principles, practices and regulations governing the design and operation of municipal water and wastewater systems.
Understanding and ability to interpret and evaluate blueprints and schematic drawings with respect to compliance with specifications and standards.
Must have a valid class “C” Texas Driver License
Knowledge of principles and practices of construction administration and inspection methods.
Proficiency with office productivity and engineering tools including Microsoft Office applications and MS Project, and PDF editing software. Substantial understanding of the principles of GIS and ability to use Esri GIS tools.
Proficiency in the use of AutoCAD for creation of sealed plans suitable for construction is preferred.
Must have the ability to:
Perform duties with limited direct supervision from upper management.
Consistently exercise sound judgment and reliably ensure high factual accuracy.
Perform and/or supervise the engineering, planning, design, and construction of water and sewer infrastructure.
Interpret and adapt highly specialized technical methods and techniques.
Organize, develop and coordinate activities that are complicated, diversified and highly technical.
Communicate technical information proficiently in an easily understandable oral and written format for a wide range of internal and external audiences.
Communicate clearly, tactfully and persuasively to groups or individuals, orally and in writing in high stress situations.
Absorb and analyze information rapidly, draw sound conclusions and make timely decisions and recommendations involving technical, engineering, environmental, and human factors.
Guide, train, supervise, and evaluate diverse work activities of skilled subordinates in a manner conducive to proficient performance, high morale, and departmental effectiveness.
Perform a wide variety of different types of tasks without the variety itself causing a loss of efficiency.
Work with high-stress customers, meet deadlines, and handle multiple priorities.
About HWWS
Harlingen Waterworks System (HWWS) is committed to supplying our customers with the highest quality drinking water and wastewater services. HWWS serves a population of approximately 90,000 including 26,000 retail water accounts, 21,000 retail wastewater accounts, and four neighboring utilities through wholesale contracts.
